MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

When I look at the processes running as shown by the Task Manager, processes tab, I notice that the program MSMSGS.EXE seems to always be there. I assume that this is Microsoft Messenger. However, I haven't subscribed to MSN or Hotmail, and I do not use messenger.

If this is MS Messenger, is there some way to keep it from loading and running? I don't find it as one of the startup programs.

<UL><LI>Click on Start.
<LI>Click on Run.
<LI>Copy and paste this line into the box:
<pre>RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%INFmsmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove</pre>
[/list]You'll get a prompt at the beginning of the process warning you to exit the program and make sure it isn't running. You'll get another one afterwards showing that it's indeed gone. Betcha it doesn't come back either. <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15>

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Hi, Chuck ~

That is the executable for Windows Messenger instant messaging program, the one to which was referred in your attempt to use Remote Assistance:

<UL><LI>You should see a little bald blue fellow in the system tray next to your clock<LI>Double-click it, go to 'Tools' > 'Options...' > 'Preferences' tab<LI>Uncheck 'Run this program when Windows starts' > 'OK'<LI>Close Windows Messenger<LI>Right-click the little blue guy > 'Exit'[/list]If you are using Outlook Express, then you will also need to follow suit:<UL><LI>'Tools' > 'Options...' > 'General' tab<LI>Uncheck 'Automatically log on to Windows Messenger' > 'Apply' > 'OK'[/list]Now Windows Messenger will not be running automatically all the time. If and when you should decide to use it, simply open it by going to 'Start' > 'All Programs' and to close it when you are done, right-click the little blue guy > 'Exit'.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Hi Bruce,

There is no such icon in my system tray. The only way I know MSMSGR is running is when I open up the task manager, and there it is pulsing constantly. I can then end the process, but it starts up again the next time I boot.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Hi, Chuck ~

If you want to completely remove the program from your computer for good, then the method provided by Mark is perfect.

It is pulsing away in your Task Manager because it is set to run at Windows startup. If you want to stop it from running automatically and have control over when it does or does not start like any other program on your system, simply open Windows Messenger from your 'All Programs' and then follow the steps I set forth above.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Hi, Chuck ~

Not really the same thing. If you do not want it to start each time you boot up, please uncheck the first line as indicated in the screenshot below. Also, you will need to follow suit with Outlook Express or Outlook should you be using either.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Hi, Chuck ~

That is indeed odd! <img src=/S/confused.gif border=0 alt=confused width=15 height=20> There is no messenger service to sign up for. Go to 'Help' > 'About Windows Messenger' and please post back with the version you are showing, please.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Chuck--

That command Mark gave you always works for me--it removes messenger from XP. Otherwise, Outlook and Outlook Express and some MS web pages can cause it to load. If for whatever reason, you can't stop it from loading with that Options dialogue box, then go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVe rsionRunMSMSGS and delete the registry key. I'm not quite sure though, why you don't have the check box Bruce showed in the picture, which I thought was standard.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

It is version 4.7. I think that the problem may be that I never really started/initiated/installed (or whatever it's called) MS Messenger. It is not in my All Programs list. I only run it by going to Program Files | Messenger and clicking on MSMSGR.EXE. Everytime I start it up I get an invitation to joine MS Net or some such thing, but I never have.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

If you simply backup or export the registry key above, then delete it, you've done both. You stop it from starting, and you can replace it when you want it back. I don't think you have to worry about wanting MSN messenger or not, because if you get rid of it, you can just go to MSN Messenger and download another, and several other MS web pages will be happy to give it to you.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

I'm a bit ambivalent at this moment as to whether to get rid of it or not, but I now have all the info I need should I decide to delete it. One thing that always bothers me is software that installs itself (and especially that automatically starts on boot up) without notifying me that that is what it is doing. It seems very sneaky to me. That was the major reason I posed the question n the first place.

Re: MSMSGS.EXE (XP SR1 Home)

Chuck--

If you get rid of it, which takes 15 seconds, you can download it again in another 15 and you could repeat either part of the cycle whenever you want--or you can back up the registry key you delete-- either way, I don't think there is much difference in time spent backing it up or just downloading another. Fortunately, it's a feature that is easily restored if you don't want it for a while and don't have that checkbox to untick "Run this program when Windows Starts."